News & Events from Greene County, Indiana

Planned power outage in NW Linton

According to the Facebook page “From The Desk of Linton Mayor John Wilkes“, a power outage is scheduled for Northwest Linton at 11:30pm on Wednesday, October 26th. The outage should last between 2-4 hours.

Planned power outage in NW Linton

According to the Facebook page “From The Desk of Linton Mayor John Wilkes“, a power outage is scheduled for Northwest Linton at 11:30pm on Wednesday, October 26th. The outage should last between 2-4 hours.

2016 Linton-Stockton Senior Sheets

A tradition that dates back to Pre-Columbian Linton Miners, the Senior Sheet is a banner hung by the Senior class once they have ransacked and raided all spoils from their High School Battle. The sheets are meant to generate fear in the lesser school classes to demoralize any attempts at usurping the Senior title.

2016 Linton-Stockton Senior Sheets

A tradition that dates back to Pre-Columbian Linton Miners, the Senior Sheet is a banner hung by the Senior class once they have ransacked and raided all spoils from their High School Battle. The sheets are meant to generate fear in the lesser school classes to demoralize any attempts at usurping the Senior title.

New Technology Business Opens Downtown

KairoTech Computer Services is kicking off their Grand Opening Week tomorrow at 1:30pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the City of Linton Mayor John Wilkes and the Linton Chamber of Commerce.

It has been some time since Linton has had a professional computer and electronics service center. Their website, kairotech.com, lists the services available such as virus removal, file recovery and transfer, secure recycling, parts and software installation, regular PC tune-ups, troubleshooting, and more.

The owner, Josh Dean, has also started posting videos about current technology issues and questions on YouTube.

The new business should not only be a welcome asset to downtown, but all of Linton and the surrounding communities now that people are able to get service and support without having to drive an hour or more away.

Spring 2016

Every year it seems we have fewer and fewer of the stinky but beautiful Bradford Pears on main street.

Spring 2016

It looks like we’ve finally made it past the long cold winter.

Every year it seems we have fewer and fewer of the stinky but beautiful Bradford Pears on main street.

Spring 2016

It looks like we’ve finally made it past the long cold winter.

Every year it seems we have fewer and fewer of the stinky but beautiful Bradford Pears on main street.

“Yule Like Linton” website offers apparel and gifts that are local and festive

Lintonians now have a way to spread Christmas cheer and represent their hometown thanks to a new, local website—YuleLikeLinton.com

The holiday-themed website features unique gifts emblazoned with a”Yule Like Linton” design, a pun on our local motto and infamous You’ll Like Linton signs. The website’s mission is to help “spread cheer in local style”.

Shoppers can choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts, hoodies, and tote bags. All items are printed to order and shipped to your home.

The website was created by Linton resident, Derrick Tennant.

“The idea came a few years ago when I’d seen the Christmas lights in the back of the park that spelled out “you’ll like Linton. My goal is to just to let anyone else who enjoys my pun take part.”

You can view and purchase your “Yule Like Linton” items at YuleLikeLinton.com

“Yule Like Linton” website offers apparel and gifts that are local and festive

Lintonians now have a way to spread Christmas cheer and represent their hometown thanks to a new, local website—YuleLikeLinton.com

The holiday-themed website features unique gifts emblazoned with a”Yule Like Linton” design, a pun on our local motto and infamous You’ll Like Linton signs. The website’s mission is to help “spread cheer in local style”.

Shoppers can choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts, hoodies, and tote bags. All items are printed to order and shipped to your home.

The website was created by Linton resident, Derrick Tennant.

“The idea came a few years ago when I’d seen the Christmas lights in the back of the park that spelled out “you’ll like Linton. My goal is to just to let anyone else who enjoys my pun take part.”

You can view and purchase your “Yule Like Linton” items at YuleLikeLinton.com

Pleasent Grove Farm Christmas Musical, 2015

Pleasant Grove Farm’s 9th annual Christmas Musical starts at 6 PM on Sunday December 6th. This free event will play nightly from 6 PM until 11 PM and the last Christmas show is Dec 26th. A Patriotic show will play from the 27th until Jan 1st. Tune to FM 99.3.

Since there’s no such thing as too many videos of Christmas Music, below is a video I made a few years ago at the Pleasant Grove Farm Christmas show.

Pleasent Grove Farm Christmas Musical, 2015

Pleasant Grove Farm’s 9th annual Christmas Musical starts at 6 PM on Sunday December 6th. This free event will play nightly from 6 PM until 11 PM and the last Christmas show is Dec 26th. A Patriotic show will play from the 27th until Jan 1st. Tune to FM 99.3.

Since there’s no such thing as too many videos of Christmas Music, below is a video I made a few years ago at the Pleasant Grove Farm Christmas show.

Info for Semi-State Game – Linton vs. North Vermillion

From LintonMiners.com

The Linton-Stockton Miners (12-1) will face off against the North Vermillion Falcons (13-1) at Roy Williams Field in Linton on Friday, November 20th at 7:30pm for the IHSAA Class A Football Semi-State Championship.

This is the third meeting between the two teams in the last two years. The Falcons defeated Linton in last year’s Regional game by a score of 31-8 before advancing to the State title game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Miners avenged that loss earlier this year when they defeated the Falcons 21-7 in regular season play.

Both teams come into this contest with a multitude of 1,000+ yard rushers setting the stage for what could be a battle by land and air.

Friday’s winner will move on to Lucas Oil Stadium for a shot to become the Class 1A State Football Champion!

Forecasts of heavy rains during the week have prompted officials at Linton-Stockton to cover the field in order to preserve the playing surface for Friday’s game.

ABOUT NORTH VERMILLION

Record: 13-1

Mascot: Falcons

Conference: Wabash River

Head Coach: Brian Crabtree

Colors: Blue

Info for Semi-State Game – Linton vs. North Vermillion

From LintonMiners.com

The Linton-Stockton Miners (12-1) will face off against the North Vermillion Falcons (13-1) at Roy Williams Field in Linton on Friday, November 20th at 7:30pm for the IHSAA Class A Football Semi-State Championship.

This is the third meeting between the two teams in the last two years. The Falcons defeated Linton in last year’s Regional game by a score of 31-8 before advancing to the State title game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Miners avenged that loss earlier this year when they defeated the Falcons 21-7 in regular season play.

Both teams come into this contest with a multitude of 1,000+ yard rushers setting the stage for what could be a battle by land and air.

Friday’s winner will move on to Lucas Oil Stadium for a shot to become the Class 1A State Football Champion!

Forecasts of heavy rains during the week have prompted officials at Linton-Stockton to cover the field in order to preserve the playing surface for Friday’s game.

Stockton 5

Stockton 6

Stockton 7

2015 Election Results – Linton Municipal Election

Warm, sunny weather greeted voters on Tuesday, November 3rd as they made their way to the polls for the 2015 Municipal Election in Linton, Indiana. Here are the results from races for Mayor, Clerk-Treasurer, City Council.

John Wilkes defeated Republican challenger, John Correll in the Mayor’s race by 93 votes, while current Councilman, Jathan Wright, defeated John Preble for the Clerk-Treasurer’s seat. Fred Markle, Tony Richards, and Linda Bedwell will retain their seats on the City Council while Jeff Sparks and former Councilman, Jerry Ellett, will now represent the 6th and 7th precincts respectively.

Election Preview of Linton Mayoral Race: John Wilkes [GCDW]

For the last couple of months, election signs have lined the yards of many homes, and along the city streets. Of all of the signs posted, signs for the two candidates in the race for the office of Linton Mayor have seen arguably the greatest presence.

When Linton voters go to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, they will be choosing between the incumbent Democrat, John Wilkes, who is currently serving his first term as Linton’s mayor, and the challenger, Republican John Correll.

In the May primary, Wilkes defeated his opponent, Linda Bedwell, by a narrow margin and Correll was unopposed.

Wilkes was elected to his first term as mayor of Linton four years ago, and says he looks forward to serving the Linton community for another four years if re-elected.

“When I won my first term I knew a second term would be needed to accomplish everything that Linton deserved to move it forward to its fullest potential. I also vowed to conduct a positive campaign.

“A positive campaign focuses on the strengths and achievements of the candidate. In my campaign I have discussed issues and results, not people,” Wilkes said
.
Wilkes feels job creation and infrastructure are the biggest concerns facing Linton.

“Over the past 3.5 years, the accomplishments in these two areas have been vast,” Wilkes said.

For job creation, Wilkes points out that the number of new small businesses in town is at an all-time high.

Wilkes cited the example of new fiber optics in town that will have capabilities to attract future investors to consider Linton.

According to Wilkes, he personally assisted Prairie Built Barns, which employs local residents, to find a permanent home in Switz City. He says he is currently working with a national organization that will create a staff of 20 when it opens.
Wilkes said during his term, he has worked extensively to get GE Corporation to return to Linton and clean up the site on 12th Street.

“Promoting a positive environment with area business owners who create jobs is an ability I have always used for the good of Linton and I am able to continue this collaboration with ease.” – John Wilkes

“It is now a shovel ready, environmentally-compliant piece of property that I am actively marketing for commercial use,” Wilkes said.

Working to get a skilled workforce available is something Wilkes says he has been passionate about, and that he’s been working with the appropriate agencies to help in this matter.

“Promoting a positive environment with area business owners who create jobs is an ability I have always used for the good of Linton and I am able to continue this collaboration with ease,” Wilkes said.

Wilkes noted that infrastructure includes sewers, water lines and electrical service.

“Upgrades have been made to meet the future needs of this community. Obtaining funding to continue these upgrades takes a great working relationship with different state agencies and I have that relationship secured for Linton,” Wilkes said.

Other areas where Wilkes said he is concentrating his efforts are on the youth, revenue, tourism and accountability.

Wilkes said he has worked with Linton-Stockton School Corporation and Ivy Tech to bring in the College Coach Connection to the school system.

“This will assist our students in gaining technical skills so they can obtain good salary jobs in our area so they can remain living in Linton,” Wilkes said.

Wilkes said he created the Mayor’s Youth Council and it is now well into its second year with an active group of young adults who graciously give back to their community.

“For the youth as well, our parks system is constantly being improved and the city administration works actively with organizations on festivals and activities for family-friendly events,” Wilkes said.

Wilkes said during his administration, many avenues have been taken to insure city revenue continues.

“The budget is balanced and we are financially sound,” said Wilkes.
According to Wilkes, a special district has been formed which brings money into Linton and grants have been obtained from Communities for a Lifetime and Safe Routes to Schools.

“When I learned that we could lose a valued wholesale water customer, I went to work immediately. Not only were we able to negotiate and work with them but we were able to get a ten-year contract. This insures us that the town of Linton will have a steady source of income over many years. Bringing new revenue into Linton and retaining the already existing revenue streams takes the experience and relationships with outside people that I have grown over the years in around the state,” said Wilkes.

Wilkes said he is confident in his ability to continue to bring money into Linton as he has done during his first term.

“The recycling brought to Linton saves the city a large sum of money as well,” Wilkes said.

According to Wilkes, a new system of accountability within the city barn and utilities has proven very successful and not only saves the town money but work orders are completed quicker.

“The city barn appearance has been cleaned up as well. I hear frequent compliments from citizens on the work going on with our city barn and our city workers,” Wilkes said.

Wilkes said he expresses pride in other projects that he’s currently working on such as: Trails, new city website, volunteer organizations, School Backpack Program, flooding grant, youth retention, elimination of blighted property and marketing outdoor recreation.

As a city leader, Wilkes said he has helped initiate the following programs to better the city of Linton: Communities for a Lifetime, Indiana Main Street, Rediscover Downtown Linton, Safe Routes to School, waste water treatment plant improvement, restoring GE property to a compliant commercial property he’s actively marketing, and the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Wilkes has been a business owner and held numerous positions in philanthropic organizations and been a founding organizer or active member of 17 different area organizations for 48 years.

Wilkes, 74, was born and raised in Dugger, but has lived in Linton for the past 48 years.

Since moving to Linton, he has both owned and operated Mercury Cleaners until recently.

“Without the resources to attend college, I made my own opportunities,” explained Wilkes. “Self motivation pushed me and in 1967, I became the owner of Mercury Cleaners. For 48 years I’ve cultivated my business and negotiation skills along with the leadership and teamwork skills I obtained in the Air Force. I am a well seasoned veteran in economic growth on a city, county and state level.”

Wilkes said he is a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years.

Prior to his election as Linton’s mayor, Wilkes served nine years on the Greene County Council and he noted that during that time “the budget was balanced and no taxes were raised.”

Wilkes served as the president of the Indiana Dry Cleaners Association for many years, and he is a charter member of the Greene County Foundation and Linton Housing Authority.

“I’ve held the title of officer in many organizations and been a founding organizer or active member in 17 different organizations,” he said.

Wilkes attends two churches, the Saron Church in Linton and the Church of Christ in Dugger.

He has been recognized for his community service and has received awards from the Jaycees, the Shrine Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and he is an active member in many other philanthropic organizations.

Wilkes is also a recipient of the honorary ‘Sagamore of the Wabash’ award which is the highest distinction bestowed upon citizens by the Governor of Indiana.

Wilkes is running for mayor on the Democrat ticket.

Election Preview of Linton Mayoral Race: John Wilkes [GCDW]

For the last couple of months, election signs have lined the yards of many homes, and along the city streets. Of all of the signs posted, signs for the two candidates in the race for the office of Linton Mayor have seen arguably the greatest presence.

When Linton voters go to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, they will be choosing between the incumbent Democrat, John Wilkes, who is currently serving his first term as Linton’s mayor, and the challenger, Republican John Correll.

In the May primary, Wilkes defeated his opponent, Linda Bedwell, by a narrow margin and Correll was unopposed.

Wilkes was elected to his first term as mayor of Linton four years ago, and says he looks forward to serving the Linton community for another four years if re-elected.

“When I won my first term I knew a second term would be needed to accomplish everything that Linton deserved to move it forward to its fullest potential. I also vowed to conduct a positive campaign.

“A positive campaign focuses on the strengths and achievements of the candidate. In my campaign I have discussed issues and results, not people,” Wilkes said
.
Wilkes feels job creation and infrastructure are the biggest concerns facing Linton.

“Over the past 3.5 years, the accomplishments in these two areas have been vast,” Wilkes said.

For job creation, Wilkes points out that the number of new small businesses in town is at an all-time high.

Wilkes cited the example of new fiber optics in town that will have capabilities to attract future investors to consider Linton.

According to Wilkes, he personally assisted Prairie Built Barns, which employs local residents, to find a permanent home in Switz City. He says he is currently working with a national organization that will create a staff of 20 when it opens.
Wilkes said during his term, he has worked extensively to get GE Corporation to return to Linton and clean up the site on 12th Street.

“Promoting a positive environment with area business owners who create jobs is an ability I have always used for the good of Linton and I am able to continue this collaboration with ease.” – John Wilkes

“It is now a shovel ready, environmentally-compliant piece of property that I am actively marketing for commercial use,” Wilkes said.

Working to get a skilled workforce available is something Wilkes says he has been passionate about, and that he’s been working with the appropriate agencies to help in this matter.

“Promoting a positive environment with area business owners who create jobs is an ability I have always used for the good of Linton and I am able to continue this collaboration with ease,” Wilkes said.

Wilkes noted that infrastructure includes sewers, water lines and electrical service.

“Upgrades have been made to meet the future needs of this community. Obtaining funding to continue these upgrades takes a great working relationship with different state agencies and I have that relationship secured for Linton,” Wilkes said.

Other areas where Wilkes said he is concentrating his efforts are on the youth, revenue, tourism and accountability.

Wilkes said he has worked with Linton-Stockton School Corporation and Ivy Tech to bring in the College Coach Connection to the school system.

“This will assist our students in gaining technical skills so they can obtain good salary jobs in our area so they can remain living in Linton,” Wilkes said.

Wilkes said he created the Mayor’s Youth Council and it is now well into its second year with an active group of young adults who graciously give back to their community.

“For the youth as well, our parks system is constantly being improved and the city administration works actively with organizations on festivals and activities for family-friendly events,” Wilkes said.

Wilkes said during his administration, many avenues have been taken to insure city revenue continues.

“The budget is balanced and we are financially sound,” said Wilkes.
According to Wilkes, a special district has been formed which brings money into Linton and grants have been obtained from Communities for a Lifetime and Safe Routes to Schools.

“When I learned that we could lose a valued wholesale water customer, I went to work immediately. Not only were we able to negotiate and work with them but we were able to get a ten-year contract. This insures us that the town of Linton will have a steady source of income over many years. Bringing new revenue into Linton and retaining the already existing revenue streams takes the experience and relationships with outside people that I have grown over the years in around the state,” said Wilkes.

Wilkes said he is confident in his ability to continue to bring money into Linton as he has done during his first term.

“The recycling brought to Linton saves the city a large sum of money as well,” Wilkes said.

According to Wilkes, a new system of accountability within the city barn and utilities has proven very successful and not only saves the town money but work orders are completed quicker.

“The city barn appearance has been cleaned up as well. I hear frequent compliments from citizens on the work going on with our city barn and our city workers,” Wilkes said.

Wilkes said he expresses pride in other projects that he’s currently working on such as: Trails, new city website, volunteer organizations, School Backpack Program, flooding grant, youth retention, elimination of blighted property and marketing outdoor recreation.

As a city leader, Wilkes said he has helped initiate the following programs to better the city of Linton: Communities for a Lifetime, Indiana Main Street, Rediscover Downtown Linton, Safe Routes to School, waste water treatment plant improvement, restoring GE property to a compliant commercial property he’s actively marketing, and the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Wilkes has been a business owner and held numerous positions in philanthropic organizations and been a founding organizer or active member of 17 different area organizations for 48 years.

Wilkes, 74, was born and raised in Dugger, but has lived in Linton for the past 48 years.

Since moving to Linton, he has both owned and operated Mercury Cleaners until recently.

“Without the resources to attend college, I made my own opportunities,” explained Wilkes. “Self motivation pushed me and in 1967, I became the owner of Mercury Cleaners. For 48 years I’ve cultivated my business and negotiation skills along with the leadership and teamwork skills I obtained in the Air Force. I am a well seasoned veteran in economic growth on a city, county and state level.”

Wilkes said he is a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years.

Prior to his election as Linton’s mayor, Wilkes served nine years on the Greene County Council and he noted that during that time “the budget was balanced and no taxes were raised.”

Wilkes served as the president of the Indiana Dry Cleaners Association for many years, and he is a charter member of the Greene County Foundation and Linton Housing Authority.

“I’ve held the title of officer in many organizations and been a founding organizer or active member in 17 different organizations,” he said.

Wilkes attends two churches, the Saron Church in Linton and the Church of Christ in Dugger.

He has been recognized for his community service and has received awards from the Jaycees, the Shrine Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and he is an active member in many other philanthropic organizations.

Wilkes is also a recipient of the honorary ‘Sagamore of the Wabash’ award which is the highest distinction bestowed upon citizens by the Governor of Indiana.

Wilkes is running for mayor on the Democrat ticket.

Election Preview of Linton Mayoral Race: John Correll [GCDW]

For the last couple of months, election signs have lined the yards of many homes, and along the city streets. Of all of the signs posted, signs for the two candidates in the race for the office of Linton Mayor have seen arguably the greatest presence.

When Linton voters go to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, they will be choosing between the incumbent Democrat, John Wilkes, who is currently serving his first term as Linton’s mayor, and the challenger, Republican John Correll.In the May primary, Wilkes defeated his opponent, Linda Bedwell, by a narrow margin and Correll was unopposed.

John Correll said he feels strongly about being of service to the City of Linton and the Linton community and equally strong that if elected, he can make a difference.

“I am not a typical politician, and that’s not a bad thing. I am running for mayor to lead us back to a path of restoration and prosperity,” Correll said.

Correll says he is prepared both mentally and physically to lead the change that Linton needs.

“If elected, I plan to achieve clear objectives that will benefit our citizens and community, with integrity, honesty, and in step with the public,” Correll said.

If elected, Correll said he will be focused on serving Linton’s citizens as their mayor.

“This means keeping the neighborhoods safe, streets maintained, and eliminating abandoned properties. I will focus on providing services our citizens expect and deserve. And I will ensure action plans are developed and implemented that will restore our infrastructure, including our streets, drainage systems, sewers and fire hydrants.

“I will treat city workers fairly and without bias. My administration will be transparent and accountable.

I’m also very interested in workforce development and creating jobs. But the mayor can only influence business development,” Correll said.

“If elected, I plan to achieve clear objectives that will benefit our citizens and community, with integrity, honesty, and in step with the public.” – John Correll

For Correll, the greatest issue facing the Linton community is a lack of leadership in the planning and actual implementation of actions that will increase prosperity in term of jobs and living conditions, budgets, and infrastructure.

“There has been a lot of talk about these things, but little to show for it. Without our Linton utilities, I’m convinced we would be bankrupt. Unless we greatly improve our city government’s efficiency, there will be dark days ahead,” Correll said.

According to Correll, changing the path the city is on is to re-focus on the needs of the Linton community.

“I feel very passionate about the needs of our senior citizens. I envision a more senior-friendly city that supports a quality of life they deserve.

“I propose an active, easily accessible senior citizen center for example. Also, Linton needs to desperately review the nursing home situation,” Correll said.
Correll said if elected, he wants more focus on the youth of Linton, to ensure that they have the same opportunities that others have had to develop the necessary values that will guide them through life.

In terms of tourism, Correll said Linton has the potential to greatly expand tourism.

“We are blessed with a wonderful, nationally recognized, natural habitat in the Goose Pond, and we need to focus on developing it to its fullest potential. A modern convention center would attract new growth,” Correll said.

Correll cites Linton’s spirit of volunteerism as an exceptional quality.
“We need to focus better on the efforts and results of both individuals and organizations that are actively working hard to restore Linton to better times.

“All of these things represent true opportunities for jobs and the financial health of our community,” Correll said.

Correll said his approach to becoming a better candidate and potential mayor will be to openly seek feedback from his fellow citizens in developing his ideas and vision.

“I will also seek to develop a deeper understanding of the many issues as they affect the lives of our citizens,” he said.

Correll, 65, is known in his professional life as “JC,” but he is comfortable being called John.

The Correll family has been continually in business in Linton for 94 years — since 1921.
Correll is membe
r of the First Baptist Church of Linton where he serves on the board of trustees and was baptized in 1966. He is also on the board of directors for Pregnancy Choices and serves as a male mentor.

Correll has been married to his wife Nancy for the last 47 years. He has two sons, and grandsons.

Correll was both born and raised in Linton, and he is a graduate of Linton-Stockton High School with the Class of 1968.

After high school, Correll enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and later studied at Indiana State University.

“I graduated in three years with dual majors: Safety Management, and Environment Health. Later, I studied at the University of Indianapolis, graduating with a Masters in Business Administration. I have completed numerous courses in leadership, human resources, organizational development and management,” Correll said.

Correll spent 27 years in the private mining industry after returning from the Navy.

From 1975-80, he worked at Peabody Coal Company in Indiana and Arizona where he held the positions of manager and lead safety supervisor.

From 1980-91, Correll worked at AMAX Coal Industries in Indianapolis where he held the positions of Manager-Safety and Health in the Midwest Division, and Corporate Director–Safety and Health.

From 1991-2002, Correll took a position at Cleveland – Cliffs Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as Corporate Director–Safety, Health and Workers’ Compensation.

Correll then worked 12 years in the federal government, working for the U.S. Department of Labor from 2002 until 2014 where he held a variety of positions including: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Deputy Assistant Secretary-Operations, Employment Standards Administration (ESA) Deputy Assistant Secretary–Operations, and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Director–Office of Employee Safety and Health.

After retiring in 2014, Correll took a position at Optimum Safety Performance, LLC, as the principal consultant, holding the position of senior operations executive.

According to Correll, Optimum Safety Performance (OSP) provides professional safety management consultation that offers a proven pathway for good companies to become great companies.

Correll said as a result of his education and career, he has unique and valuable experiences that are seldom, if ever, seen in candidates for the mayor’s office.
“While I’m not a political pundit, I am an effective leader. I feel strongly about certain beliefs — faith, family, integrity, honesty, and the role of government,” Correll said.

Correll said he has enjoyed a successful career by collecting and studying the facts, team building, gaining consensus, and mobilizing commitment to reach mutually satisfying goals and objectives.

“My career experiences combined with these leadership skills are what my campaign is based upon: Experience and Leadership – A Clear Choice,” Correll said.

Next Tuesday, November the third, is election day. Polls in areas where there are contested races will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Linton there are five contested races.

The race for the Linton Clerk-Treasurer will feature sitting Linton City Councilman Jathan Wright, a Democrat, running against sitting Linton-Stockton School Board member John Preble, a Republican. Preble was unopposed in the May primary while Wright defeated the incumbent clerk-treasurer, Jack Shelton.Democrat Jathan Wright is a native of Linton, and is not shy about his love for his hometown.

“I may sound like a broken record, but I simply love Linton. My love of the city was instilled in me at a young age. Linton is proudly my home — it is where I’ve grown up and where I plan to raise my family,” Wright said.

Wright said he has been very active during the campaign season talking to voters from each corner of Linton.

“I have walked the streets of Linton and knocked on doors echoing that sentiment to the people of our community and asking for their votes. I am asking the community once again that on November 3 they would give me the consideration of receiving their vote for Linton Clerk Treasurer.

“I may sound like a broken record, but I simply love Linton. My love of the city was instilled in me at a young age. Linton is proudly my home — it is where I’ve grown up and where I plan to raise my family” – Jathan Wright

“It would be an honor to serve the people in the community I love. If elected, I pledge to be a proactive and working Clerk-Treasurer that not only has Linton’s present in mind, but also Linton’s future,” Wright said.

Wright explained his commitment and passion for the Linton community, the city and its people, motivated him to seek election to the office of clerk-treasurer.

“I plan to take the same approach managing the work of the clerk-treasurer’s office that I have employed in my role as city councilman. My years of experience on the city council demonstrate that I am a proven pro-active leader who has also served on various boards and committees,” Wright said.

Wright said that revitalization of the Linton community is currently the biggest issue facing Linton.

Wright says his priorities as clerk-treasurer will include “revitalization in the context of maintaining and improving infrastructure through effective and efficient financial planning and management; maintaining and improving the quality and delivery of services to citizens via quarterly financial assessments of the city’s equipment and its ongoing financial capability; troubleshooting and creating financial solutions that will help the city capitalize on opportunities to compete in the current environment of limited financial resources; and creating financial programs and solutions that ensure convenient, streamlined and transparent information, which enables citizens to conveniently access city services, electronically pay utility bills, and help residents (and city council) understand financial decisions, purchases and initiatives that are being actively pursued or considered by the City of Linton.”

Besides being a Linton councilman, Wright is a coach for a Linton youth flag football team and a member of Linton FOP.

Wright has served on the Greene County Solid Waste Board for two years as board president and states he is a strong advocate for recycling in Linton.

Wright is a member of the Linton Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Committee.

“I helped compile the city’s first ADA Transition Plan through various meetings and workshops. As a member of the Linton Municipal Pool Board, I worked with board members, former Councilman Nigel Lehman, and church organizations to raise the funds to purchase the ADA chair-lift and concrete work that was federally mandated to be purchased and functioning before the pool could reopen,” Wright said.

In terms of the Linton Pool, Wright explained he is proud of the efforts both he and Lehman made to keep the doors open.

“I am extremely proud of our fundraising efforts, with the community generously donating over $25,000. My service on the city council also included being selected city council president in 2014. My leadership skills have proven to be hands-on and diligent, which is type of leader we need in the clerk-treasurer’s office,” Wright said.

Wright, 26, currently resides in south Linton, in the area many refer to as “Wrightsville.”

Wright is a 2008 graduate of Linton-Stockton High School and a 2013 graduate of Indiana State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science. During his time at ISU, Wright said he remained in the Linton community while completing coursework by commuting to school.

“My education background in political science has enabled me to study the different levels and types of government and the interrelationships. My education, combined with my experiences that I have from serving on the Linton City Council, has provided me the insights on how the clerk-treasurer’s office should function,” said Wright.

Wright is an employee of Logic Key Inc. (School Management Software Company), where he works in technical support and public relations. He has been employed at Logic Key since November of 2013.